Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN)

With housing in the spotlight on the trail today, here's a little reminder about what we say on the subject and what we're calling on the next government to do: bit.ly/3yXYc4B

Shelter Network

Well done (we were with you in spirit!). 💛

This we're calling for a fair new plan for refugees - and you can too.

With a general election just two weeks away, now is the time to come together to reject hostility and division and stand for something better. 💛

Find out how you can get involved: bit.ly/3VS0efX

👉 Read all about it! In the latest installment of our , Youth Ambassador Grmalem looks at how asylum seekers and refugees are represented in the media. 📰

He offers some simple and achievable ways to change the narrative: bit.ly/3zbLpvJ

Our women's group created this colourful artwork for Home, Canterbury Cathedral's interactive exhibition for .

The piece shows what home means to them and tells stories of leaving, strength and hope. Also, how important it is to find a place to belong. 💛

The exhibition is at the cathedral's Chapter House until Friday (21 July).

With a General Election around the corner, it is more important than ever to stand together with refugees.

This Refugee Week we need to show communities up and down the country are taking action for a fair new plan for refugees.

Get involved today:
https://togetherwithrefugees.org.uk

What better way to start than with Rishan's story. 💛

Nine years ago she arrived in this country on her own, aged 17. Today, she became a British citizen - just a few weeks before graduating as a nurse.

Here's her message to us all: bit.ly/45qwiL1

County Council Canterbury Christ Church University nhs.uk

This , we're celebrating by remembering how important it is to find a place to belong. 💛

*STARTS TODAY*
Home: An Interactive Exhibition

Monday 17 - Friday 21 June in The Chapter House

During Refugee Week as we focus on the plight of refugees, we invite you to explore what ‘home’ means to you and to those who have had to leave their own homes as a result of war, violence, oppression and climate change.

Experience how they have come to create a new home here in Canterbury, and the cultural richness that they have brought with them.

Organised and devised by the Refugee Project Board including: The Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN), the Social Justice Network of the Diocese of Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral.

Eid Mubarak from KRAN to all those celebrating! 🌙 ⭐️

Today is Eid ul-Adha - also known as the Festival of Sacrifice - one of the two major Islamic holidays (the other being Eid ul-Fitr). It commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to God.

This event is celebrated annually by Muslims worldwide to honour Ibrahim's devotion and faith. The celebration includes special prayers and communal feasts, with charity and community emphasised.

With the just about to kick off, we're wishing good luck to all the teams - here's to a positive and fair tournament. ⚽️

Football means a lot to our young people - it's more than just a game. To keep our regular sessions running, we're on the look out for an experienced coach for Folkestone.

👉 Read on for all the details: bit.ly/3HqjRn8

Refugee Council

More from our and this time, it's a demand for safe routes: bit.ly/4cmOJm5

Safe Passage

This , we're reflecting on a recent fun cycle ride in Margate with our Thanet women's circle. 🚴‍♀️

Colin, of Col's Kent Bike Tours, led the way, supported by Alice, of Arts Education Exchange, and our own Lou and Rahel.

The women were quick to brush up their skills, largely thanks to some comfy Pashley bikes and helmets, provided by The Bike Shed Kent.

Thanks to all - and roll on the next one! 💛

Another day, another - and here's the second part of ours.

We believe everyone has the fundamental right to , including those who have leave to remain. Denying them this right is unfair and means their voices are not heard: bit.ly/4cgVRQI

Looking forward to this!

*NEXT WEEK*
Home: An Interactive Exhibition

Monday 17 - Friday 21 June in The Chapter House

During Refugee Week as we focus on the plight of refugees, we invite you to explore what ‘home’ means to you and to those who have had to leave their own homes as a result of war, violence, oppression and climate change.

Experience how they have come to create a new home here in Canterbury, and the cultural richness that they have brought with them.

Organised and devised by the Refugee Project Board including: The Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN), the Social Justice Network of the Diocese of Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral.

For the first installment of our , we shine a light on the pressing issue of . 🏡

Read on to find out what the problems are for our young people - and what must be done: bit.ly/3yXYc4B

👉 We're hiring: if you're a whizz with words and other creative content, the Media Ambassador role is for you!

We're after someone with experience of the asylum/immigration system, who knows the barriers faced and who can share them on behalf of our young people.

All the details (including how to apply) are here: bit.ly/45i3yUn

The deadline for applications is Friday 5 July. Good luck!

Paul Hamlyn Foundation

We are celebrating volunteers shortlisted for tonight's Folkestone and Hythe District Excellence in Volunteering Awards with Folkestone & Hythe District Council

Jes volunteers for Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN)
She was nominated by Gareth who said: “Jes has been mentoring her current young person for over 20 months. Jes commits to seeing him for one or two hours a week, while also working full time herself. The young person she supports is registered blind. She has helped him build confidence with trips to the shops, and walks along the coast. While staying within her role, she has gone above and beyond - to listen, learn and work with the young person to meet his needs and wants. Giving up her free time on weekends to show solidarity and support to one of the more vulnerable people in our community.”

Jes says of her volunteering:
"There are many inequalities and injustices throughout our society, by volunteering with those who experience them in the most severe ways, I get to know them and their situation better, which helps me advocate for change.
I have the opportunity to help someone settle into and learn about a new country, and I get to learn about other countries, cultures, religions and ways of being. It is a mutual learning relationship."

A big shout out to our mentor Jes, who has been shortlisted for a Kent Coast Volunteering Folkestone & Hythe Excellence in Volunteering Award. 🙌

Good luck to her - and all the contestants - at the ceremony tonight.

Jes is pictured here with her mentee, Tejan. They have worked together for two years and make an excellent team! 💛

Folkestone & Hythe District Council

One month to go until the country goes to the polls and here at KRAN, we've produced our own election manifesto - written by our young people for our young people.

We've identified the main issues they face and put forward some practical and doable solutions.

An overview is here: bit.ly/3yN2pIw. Watch this space for further installments! 👀

This , we’re recognising the amazing resilience shown by our young people. Their unique personalities shine through in everything they do with us, making KRAN what it is today! 💛

Less than a week to go before the deadline for the role of Senior Fundraiser here at KRAN (Monday 10 June).

We're looking for a special someone to work with us on a short-term contract (with potential for longer) for a couple of days a week.

The successful applicant will play a leading role in building relationships with new trusts and foundations, individual and family philanthropists, and corporate partners.

All the details - including how to apply - are here: bit.ly/45i3yUn

"A lifeline of support, trust and encouragement." This , we're paying tribute to those who give their time for free to support our young people. 💛

We currently have 60-plus volunteer mentors, but are looking for more from the Canterbury and Dover areas.

👉 Read on to find out what two of our mentors say about their role (and how to apply): bit.ly/4aRC8pz

Happy to be part of this for ! 💛

Home: An Interactive Exhibition

Monday 17 - Friday 21 June in The Chapter House

During Refugee Week as we focus on the plight of refugees, we invite you to explore what ‘home’ means to you and to those who have had to leave their own homes as a result of war, violence, oppression and climate change.

Experience how they have come to create a new home here in Canterbury, and the cultural richness that they have brought with them.

Organised and devised by the Refugee Project Board including: The Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN), the Social Justice Network of the Diocese of Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral.

A great get-together was had when our Folkestone young people joined those from Canterbury in the city.

Volleyball at EKC Canterbury College was enjoyed by all and then it was a trip through town, including a stop off The Beaney. Bonding, sporty and educational!

Thanks to BBC Children in Need for making it possible.

General election aside, KRAN CEO Razia ask us to step back and examine the flurry of activity since the introduction of the anti-refugee laws.

She also reminds us to remember the innocents, young and old, but especially little Sara, one of the most recent to lose her life in the Channel. bit.ly/3KjLr76